CRKT Civet Neck Knives

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) just announced the release of their Civet™ neck knives by popular knife maker Flavio Ikoma, of Prudente, Brazil. CRKT continues to produce outstanding knives and tools designed to meet and exceed the needs for every day users rather than highlight display cases. The CRKT team has partnered with dozens of highly qualified knife making masters producing some of the most popular options on the market today.

The Civet™ knives are named after an Asian and African cat with extremely sharp teeth and claws. The Civet knives are fixed blade everyday carry neck knives, designed to provide extremely sharp cutting ability in a small, concealable carry package.

The CRKT Civet neck knife could be a great on-duty back-up knife.

CRKT Civet Neck Knives

The CRKT Civet 2.4″ Bowie-style blade transitions between a compact, concealable back-up defensive knife, to an all-purpose utility tool capable of cutting, scraping or other work needs. Due to the nature of the small Civet neck knife, that could be a last resort defensive knife, Ikoma added jimping on the spine of the blade to provide enhanced cutting and stabbing control.

The Civet Bowie configuration, with jingled spine serrations, has the more traditional look.

The CRKT Civet Drop Point design also has jimping on the spine.

The Bowie or Drop Point configurations provide both stabbing and cutting ability. The Civet’s ergonomically designed handle comes with a fore finger groove for added grip, along with a moderately textured scales so the user’s hand remains firmly attached to the knife’s small frame even during less than ideal situations.

The Civet Bowie takes captures the traditional look with modern lines.

Ikoma finished off the Civet with a truly revolutionary sheath that can be taken apart allowing for easy and effective maintenance. Debris is easily removed, making rust and damage maintenance much easier to control. The user simply slides the top portion out of the base, to quickly rinse or wipe dirt or debris out of the sheath. The Civet sheath is made with very strong glass-reinforced nylon and is designed with a specific blade rest. There are also dual mounting holes for the neck chain, providing a balanced carry option.

The Civet’s sheath separates for easy maintenance.

The CRKT Civet™ comes with the mastery of Flavio Ikomo who possesses several creative patents and innovations. Ikomo has said he draws inspiration from things like sports cars, jet fighters, and stealthy animals. Ikomo’s latest blade, the Civet neck knives, feature an innovative Easy Clean slide apart sheath.

CRKT Civet Knife Specifications

Overall Length: 5.626 inches

Weight: 1.8 ounces

Blade Length: 2.417 inches

Blade Thickness: 0.121 inches

Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV

Blade Hardness: HRC 56-58

Finish: Satin

Grind: Hollow

Style: Drop Point or Bowie Clip Point

Edge: Plain

Handle Material: Glass-reinforced nylon

Carry System: Take apart sheath with neck chain

Carry System Weight: 1.1 ounces

MSRP: $49.99.

The Civet is small, and very concealable.

Final Thoughts

As you probably know I am a big fan of CRKT knives and tools, though I also own several knives from Gerber, Kershaw, and other brands. The CRKT Civet appears to be a well-made knife, and there are many officers I know that prefer a neck worn knife option. There are several benefits to this carry method.

The knife is right in the “work space” during confrontations or simply needing to retrieve a knife quickly. Most uniform shirts have mock buttons, and are actually zippered shirts, making access to a neck knife fairly quick and easy. Having a concealable knife if beneficial for officer safety, and to minimize the potential of complaints of officers being too armed.

However, I have never really been a fan of the neck carry knife. One reason is I carry my back-up firearm on a ballistic vest holster. I don’t want anything hindering my ability to get to my back-up pistol. In addition, I have found that my uses of a knife on-duty is almost a daily need. As such, I simply carry a knife with a pocket clip that can be retrieved without manipulating my uniform. This makes draw and return of the knife much easier.

What are your thoughts on neck-carried knives? Do you use a neck knife? If so, is it simply a back-up defensive knife or is it a dual purpose utility knife?

Aaron is a sergeant with a midwestern police department, where he serves as a trainer, supervisor and SWAT sniper. In addition to his broad tactical knowledge, Aaron has experience in DUI, DRE and undercover narcotics investigations.

I know, I know! Both knives have benefits and some incredible features. The good thing is, you shouldn’t feel too bad about ordering more Minimalist knives as they are great, and you shouldn’t feel bad about ordering a Civet knife either because it has a slightly different mission.